Collaboration with PROJECT TREE / RIKEN / IRRI – Fogging Treatment to Deal with Pestalotiopsis

The fogging and spraying implementation of suspension concentrate in Banyuasin, South Sumatera See previous activity here, under the collaboration between PROJECT TREE, RIKEN, and IRRI (Indonesian Rubber Research Institute), has now progressed into the evaluation phase. The activity was conducted from July to December 2025 at the IRRI site, covering 1 hectare of PB260 clone with approximately 500–550 trees. Treatments were applied every 2 weeks, totaling 10 applications, including spraying, fogging, and control, using several active ingredients: (1) Quinondo, which helps protect leaves from fungal infection; (2) Topsin (thiophanate-methyl), which works inside the plant to stop fungal growth; and (3) Nativo, a combination fungicide that protects the plant and also helps treat existing infections.

The analysis indicates that the fogging method performed better than the control, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing Pestalotiopsis (Leaf Fall Disease). Fogging works by generating ultra-fine droplets, allowing the fungicide to be distributed more evenly and to penetrate the plant canopy more effectively, including the upper and hidden leaf surfaces where infections commonly occur. To achieve optimal results, the application must be conducted consistently at the recommended interval, supported by proper equipment performance, suitable weather conditions, and good agronomic practices such as adequate fertilization and controlled tapping intensity. With these conditions in place, fogging is expected to become a reliable and practical method for controlling Pestalotiopsis, with strong potential for wider adoption and further optimization to support sustainable rubber productivity.